Obesity in children affects performance in mathematics

Children’s performance in mathematics could be affected by overweight and obesity, according to a study by U.S. researchers.

Scientists at the University of Missouri at Columbia, found that obese children had worse results in mathematics, and this, in the first year than those who were never overweight.

Math scores of boys who became obese in the third or fourth year did not seem affected. For girls became obese in the same period, performance in mathematics have become poorer, but only temporarily.

To reach these conclusions, the scientists analyzed data on 6,250 children. These were followed from kindergarten through the fifth year. During this period, children were weighed and measured five times, their parents were given information on family life, and teachers provided information on their interpersonal skills and emotional balance.

“These findings demonstrate the complex relationships that exist between academic performance, weight and emotional well-being,” explains lead author of the study, Sara Gable.

The results of this work were published in the journal Child Development.